USA > South Carolina > Documentary history of the American revolution: consisting of letters and papers relating to the contest for liberty, chiefly in South Carolina, from originals in the possession of the editor, and other sources, V.2 > Part 10
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These, sir, are all the circumstances I can just now recollect, and I have been thus particular because you desired it. The manner of my expression you will excuse, as I write in a hurry.
I am, dear sir, your most obedient servant,
ROBERT HOWE.
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THE AMERICAN REVOLUTION.
A. WM.SON TO COL. JAMES WILLIAMS.
[Original MS.]
WHITE HALL, April 19, 1778.
DEAR SIR :
In consequence of letters from his Excellency the President, to raise a certain number of men for the defence of this State, or to march into the State of Georgia, and assist the Georgians if the service requires it, I have wrote to Colonels Thomas Liles and Beard, and taken the liberty of appointing them to meet at your house on Saturday, the 25th instant, then and there to concert and put such plans into execution as may be adequate to the present emergency. You will please to invite Euch of your field-officers to be present as you think proper. I would recommend to you to secure all the provisions within your limits that you possibly can, as nothing can be done without a supply of that article.
I am, dear sir, your obedient humble servant,
A. WM.SON. P. S .- I have desired them to be early in the day at your house.
A. WM.SON TO CAPT. JOHN IRVIN.
[Original MS.]
WHITE HALL, April 21, 1778.
SIR :
In consequence of orders from his Excellency the President, to forth- with embody a certain number of men for the purpose of defending this State, and to assist and march into the State of Georgia if the service requires it, or any other service the safety of this State may require.
I hereby empower you to raise, with all expedition, for three months, certain, or longer, if the service requires them, a company of horsemen, to consist of thirty privates-stout, able-bodied men-to be officered by yourself, captain, two lieutenants (for the first to have my approba- tion) and three sergeants. The pay of the sergeants and privates, and to draw provisions, to commence from the day of their enlistment, and the officers in completing their companies from the time of their begin-
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DOCUMENTARY HISTORY OF
ning to enlist. The privates to take the oath of abjuration and fidelity, and to sign an agreement subjecting themselves to all pains and for- feitures of the militia law now in force in this State, in times of actual alarm.
I am, sir, your most obedient servant, A. WM.SON.
N. B .- When you have returned twenty men, you will report the same to me, and then you will receive further orders.
A. WM.SON TO COL. GOODWYN.
[Original JIS.]
CAMP NEAR CHEROKEE HILL, June 20th, 1778.
Col. Goodwyn to proceed with one hundred horsemen in quest of any enemy that may be about-the men to be taken from Col. Winn's, Col. Williamson's, Col. Goodwyn's, Col. Mc Rary's and Maj. Brandon's detach- ments ; to be conducted by Maj. Joseph Walker to such place or places as from information Col. Goodwyn shall judge it most expedient for fur- thering the intentions of such enemy, and for the benefit of the service to annoy, repel, kill or take prisoners. If the detachment should want provisions or carriages, they must be hired or impressed and after per- forming this duty, to join me at or near Fort Barrington or Sunbury by the nearest and most expeditious route. The men to have strict orders not to injure or molest any of the inhabitants on their march.
If any thing material occurs Col. Goodwyn will send an express $o Col. Williamson, he will also take up and secure all deserters he may meet.
A. WM.SON.
ORDERS FOR LIEUT .- COL. JONAS BEARD, LIEUT .- COL. ROBERT McRARY AND MAJOR THOMAS BRANDON, LIEUT .- COL. JOHN WINN, COL. ROBT. GOODWYN AND MAJ. ANDREW PICKENS.
[Original MS.]
CAMP AT CAT HEAD, JULY 25, 1778.
You aro to proceed with all expedition by the following rule of march with the different detachments under your command to the State
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THE AMERICAN REVOLUTION.
of South Carolina, taking with you and under your escort all the wag- zons belonging to the districts of your respective regiments, letting the men and horses have the necessary provisions and rest, at such places as you shall find convenient. If any horses belonging to the waggons should tire, so as to render it inconvenient or prejudicial to your de- tachments to wait for them, such must necessarily be left after getting into the settlements in Georgia or South Carolina, with the driver or owner, until the horses are refreshed. The line of march, after sepa- rating the army to be observed so as to make it equally convenient to each detachment, so that if the detachments in front by any kind of delay are passed by the others, they must necessarily fall in the rear. All the provisions in the army will be divided in just and equal propor- tions to the different detachments according to the number of men in each. The commanding officer will order the proper returns to be made for this purpose and send their Quarter-Masters to receive it. Orders on the Governor of Georgia will be given by the commanding officer for the necessary supplies to the detachments on their march through this State. If any difficulty in getting such should happen within this State, or in South Carolina, the commanding officer of such detachment will impress what may be absolutely necessary, appointing proper per- sons to appraise such necessaries upon oath, that a just recompense may be made to the owners.
Col. Williamson having the greatest confidence in the care and dili- gence of the field officers, their zeal for the service, the honor of the State to which they belong, and the reputation of the troops, that he relies upon them for the preserving of good order and preventing the men from committing any depredations or injuring or insulting any person whatever on their return through this State or South Carolina ; and, although the expedition to which they have been called has not been attended with the wished for success, he returns them and the officers and men under them his thanks for their perseverance and alacrity on so trying and difficult a service.
ORDER OF MARCH AT DETACHING THE ARMY.
Ist. Col. Winn with his detachment; 2nd. Col. Williamson's de- tachment; 3rd. Col. Goodwyn's detachment; 4th. Col. Beard's detach- ment; 5th. Col. McRary and Maj. Brandon's detachment.
A. WM.SON.
€
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DOCUMENTARY HISTORY OF
ANDREW PICKENS TO CAPT. JOHN IRVIN. OR IN HIS ABSENCE TO HIS LIEUTENANT.
August 29, 1778.
SIR :
By order of Col. Williamson, you are hereby required to embody the State draft from your company, and march with them, well armed and accoutred, with three days' provisions, to the place where the Long Cane road crosses Little River, near the Rev. Mr. John Harris'. You will be at the above place of rendezvous punctually on Friday, the 4th day of September next, as the situation of the distressed people in Georgia, to whose assistance we are to march, will admit of no delay. There will be wagons at the place where we meet, to carry the men's baggage, as the horses must be sent home if the men bring any from home.
I am, sir, your most humble servant, ANDREW PICKENS. N. B .- Order every man to bring a good hatchet. Since I wrote the above I have got intelligence that a party of Indians are on their way to our frontier. I desire you would, with all possible speed, march up to John Cameron's old place with five or six days' provisions.
A. P.
W. WARDLAW TO A. WM.SON,
[Original MIS.]
LONG CANE, December 7, 2 o'clock, P. M., 1778.
SIR :
I have just received information that the Indians have carried away Thos. Stevenson and his family, and three others that were there, and robbed his house. They were tracked some distance, and seemed to bear up the other side of Barker's Creek. This conduct seems unusual, but from the signs it appears that there are Indians in company. I am also informed that on yesterday there were several guns heard from the Corner. The alarm is sufficient to direct you how to proceed. Please to forward the other letters as directed.
I am, your humble servant,
W. WARDLAW. P. S .- Our company is met this morning by day at the Corner, to proceed as necessity appears.
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THE AMERICAN REVOLUTION.
A MUSTER ROLL OF THE GRENADIER COMPANY IN THE SECOND REGIMENT OF SOUTH CAROLINA INFANTRY, ON THE CONTINEN. TAL ESTABLISHMENT, COMMANDED BY COLONEL ISAAC MOTTE.
[Original MIS.]
August 25, 1778.
NAMES. DATES OF COMMISS'NS
KEMARKS.
Commissioned Officers.
Thomas Dunbar, Captain ... November 9. 1777, .... Present.
Albert Roux, 13: Lieutenant .. December 15, 1777, ... Do.
Non Commissioned Ofteers.
Joho Downs, Adjatant, .. March 12, 1778 Absent with leave.
Rev. Henry Pureell, Chaplain, May 7, 1776 .. Do.
John Hall, Quarter. Master, July 1, 1776 .. Do.
Henry Gray, Pay-Master, December 10, 1777, ... Do.
Jeremiah Thews, Surgeon, August 2. 1777 Present.
John Henry Rusche, Ist Mate, do., June 11, 1778, Do.
Silvester Springer. 2d Mate, do.,. June 27. 1778, Do.
Staf Non-Commissioned Oficers.
Lewis Coffer, Sergeant-Major, June 16, 1778, Discharged July 9, 1798
John Wiekom, Sergeant Majer,. October 5, 1778, Present.
William Fletcher. Qr .- master Sergeant. .JJuly 15, 1778, Discharg'd July16,1775
Daniel Simpson, Qr .- master Sergeant. During the war, .Sick in Gen. Hospital,
James Arnold, Drum-Major, .September 16, 1779,. Present. [Charles Town
luzh Campbeil. Fife-Major. .June 16, 1778. Discharged July 1, 1778
NAMES: ENLISTM'T TIME. TIME OF SERVICE. KEMARKS.
Non-Commissioned Oficers.
SERGEANTS.
William Jasper, July 8, 1775, ...... July 8, 1778, Discharged,
John Marlow. June 26. 1775, .. .. June 20, 1773,. .Discharged July 9, 1778.
John Gemmell, July 18, 1775. .... July 18, 1778, .... Discharged July 21, 1778 Robert Watt August 5, 1777, ... During the war, .. Present.
William Brown July 6, 1778, July 6, 1781, ..... Present.
CORPORALS.
Samuel Butler July 7. 1775,. .. July 7. 1778 ....... Discharged.
John Roberts. Nov. 26, 1776, .... Nov. 26, 1779, .... Preferred in another Com-
Pubert Watt, August 5, 1777, ... During the war, .. Preferred. [pany. Frederick Simons, July 27, 1777, .... During the war, .. Present. DRUMMERS.
John Wheeler, July 1, 1775, .. .. July 1, 1778 ... . Discharged.
Peter Upiegrove,. July 18, 1778,. ... Jan. 18, 1780,. .... On the recruiting service. PRIVATES.
William Ashford July 11. 1777 .. .During the war ... On Outpost.
Filbain Arnold July 8, 1775 ... ... July S, 1778,. Discharged July 15, 1778.
Garnaby Bryan, August 5, 1777, ... During the war, .. Present.
Jobn Cook, July 13. 1775, ... July 13, 1778, .... Discharged.
Charles Cox. July 1, 1:78 ...... March 1, 1779, ... On the recruiting service. John Baptist DeLaney, ..... June 25, 1775, .... Jane 25, 177S, .... Discharged July 1, 1778. 7
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DOCUMENTARY HISTORY OF
NAMES.
ENLISTM'T TIME. TIME OF SERVICE.
REMARKS.
Owen Griffin .....
.July 11, 1777.
.During the war, .. Present.
Silas Gibson,
July 16, 1778 ..
.July 16, 1781, .... Present.
Loami Husbands
August 2. 1775, ... August 2, 1773, ... Discharged.
John Humphrey
June 18, 1775 ..... June 18, 1778 ..
Discharged July 1, 1778.
Agron Harris January 31. 1777, Jan. 31, 1780, ..
Present.
James Hooper. August 5, 1777, .. During the war, .. Sick at Quarters.
William Jone July 7, 1777 .
. During the war ... On Garrison guard.
Robert Ivey, .July 8, 1775,. July 8, 1778.
Discharged.
Charles Lucas,
July 19. 1775, ... July 19, 1778. Discharged July 1, 3778.
Joseph Martin, July 10, 1775 July 10, 1778, Discharged July 18, 1778.
Martin Moore. July 8. 1:75.
.July 8, 1778,
Discharged.
Jacob Murph July 8, 1773 .. ..... July 8, 1778 Discharged.
John McCaid,
Avgust 5, 1777 .... During the war ... On the recruiting service.
John McDowell June 16, 1778, .... During the war, .. Preferred in another Com-
James McClear August 5, 1775, ... August 5, 1778, ... Discharged. [pany.
Ar hibald MeDonald,
During the war, .. Present.
James Oliver,
During the war, .. Present.
Edmund Penrice July 2. 1775 July 2, 1778, Discharged.
David Parsons, August 1. 1775 .... August 1, 1778 .... Discharged.
Richard Richardson, August 3, 177 ;.... During the war ... Present.
William Roberts August 7, 1775 .... August 7. 1778, ... Discharged.
Frederick Simmons, July 27. 1777 .. ... During the war, .. Preferred.
Thomas Stafford January 4, 1777,. During the war ... On Duty.
John Steele, July 9, 1778.
During the war ... Present.
Anthony Uhthoff, July 6. 1775. July 6, 1778 ....... [ ischarged.
John Whitely July 11, 17:7, .... During the war, .. Present.
Robert Whiley, March 11, 1778, .. During the war, .. On Duty.
Shadrack Williamson. July 8. 1775, July 8, 1778, ...... Discharged,
Richard Williamson, .... July 9. 1777,
During the war, .. Confined.
John Kelly. During the war ... Present.
PROOF OF THE EFFECTIVE ..
Present .- Captains, 1; 1st Lieutenants, 1; Surgeons, 1; Surgeon's Mates, 2; Sergeant-Major, 1; Drum-Major, 1; Sergeants, 2; Corporals, 1; Privates, 10.
Absent .- Adjutants, 1; Chaplains, 1; Quarter-Master, 1; Pay-Mas- ter, 1; Quarter-Master Sergeants, 1; Privates, 8.
We do swear the above Muster Roll is a true state of the Company, without fraud to the United States or any individual, according to the best of our knowledge.
THOS. DUNBAR, Captain. ALBERT ROUX, 1st Lieutenant. Sworn before me this 25th August, 1778. FRANCIS MARION, Second Colonial Regiment. Then mustered, as certified by
THOS. JERVEY, Deputy Muster Master.
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THE AMERICAN REVOLUTION.
A. WM.SON TO COL. ROBERT GOODWYN.
[Original MS.]
WHITE HALL, November 28, 1778.
DEAR SIR :
My having been continually employed in Georgia since the Southern expedition, prevented me being able before this period to attend to and examine and adjust the expenses arising from that service. I would therefore request you will, as soon after the receipt of this letter as you possibly can, furnish me with the pay-bills and amounts of your detachment employed in that service. in order that I may examine and adjust them, and be able to take the proper and necessary steps to obtain payment for the people for their good services. Some informa- tion I have just received makes me apprehensive that the disaffected meant again to collect, and join the enemy, who are said to have landed on this side the Altamaha, to the amount of 800, and penetrated into the lower parts of Georgia. You will perceive from this intelligence how cautious we should be to guard against our internal enemies, who, during this struggle, have demonstrated themselves the most cruel and rancorous enemies. McGirt, it is said, landed in Georgia at the same time, but has taken his course higher up the country; no doubt but he will endeavor to visit his old range. I wish you may be fortunate enough (if he comes your way) to secure him, or give him a proper dose, to prevent his inroads in future.
I am, with great regard, dear sir, your most obdt. servant,
A. WM.SON.
LIEUT .- COL. HENDERSON TO CAPT. BUCHANAN.
[Original MS.]
RECRUITING ORDERS.
CAMP PURYSBURG, February 5, 1779.
SIR :
You are to set out immediately on the recruiting service. You are to recruit anywhere within the State; you are to enlist no man under the age of sixteen nor above forty-five; you are to enlist no notorious rogue if you know it; you are to bring all the men you enlist to Head- quarters or cause them to be brought; all the men you enlist, you are
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DOCUMENTARY HISTORY OF
to give five hundred dollars to-fifty in hand and the rest when you gain Head-Quarters-for the first month after the 29th of January last ; for the second month four hundred dollars; for the third month three hundred and fifty dollars, and the same pay and rations as usual; you are to enlist no man for less time than sixteen months. But as many as you can for during the war; you are from time to time to let the commanding officer know what success you have and what part of the country you are in ; you are to go from here to Charlestown ; you are not to stay there more than three days before you set out-from which time, you are to join Head-Quarters in six weeks, unless you have strong reason to believe you will have good success, in which case you are to stay some days longer. You are to deceive no man to enlist him. All reasonable expenses will be paid for bringing recruits to Head-Quarters.
WM. HENDERSON, Lieut .- Col. 6th Regiment.
J. RUTLEDGE TO COL. ROBERT GOODWYN.
[Original MIS.]
CHARLESTOWN, S. C., February 10, 1779.
SIR :
You are immediately to detach two hundred and fifty men, rank and file, of your regiment, properly armed and accoutred, with the neces- sary number of officers, the whole under the command of a field officer, to join and put themselves under the orders of Brig .- Gen. Williamson, to assemble and encamp the remainder of your regiment at Friday's Ferry, on the twenty-third day of February, inst., there to wait any further orders.
Your men may be assured, that any arrears of pay shall be very soon settled and discharged; that, in future, they will receive their pay with more regularity than heretofore ; that, in all probability, the pay of privates will be augmented by an ordinance now before the Legisla- ture, to a dollar per day, and that everything in the town shall be done to render their situation, on service, as comfortable as possible, and I trust that I shall be readily and cheerfully obeyed.
I am, sir, your very humble servant,
J. RUTLEDGE.
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THE AMERICAN REVOLUTION.
INTRODUCTION OF THE MINISTER TO A FREE CONFERENCE IN A COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE CONGRESS.
[Notes by W. H. Drayton.]
MONDAY, February 15, 1779.
Hle informed the Committee that his master, actuated by the most friendly regard to the United States, had ordered him to acquaint them that a great revolution had taken place in Great Britain respecting the question of their independence; that there had been a great party in the Cabinet Council of that nation in favor of that independence : that they were willing to grant that independence with certain conditions; that those conditions were somewhat similar to those proposed by the late commissioners; that they principally respected a kind of Federal Union, such as that the United States should assist Great Britain in her wars; that, however, this measure had been laid aside, the Cabinet being impressed with the representation of the Commissioners that divisions prevailed among the members in Congress, and between the Congress and some of the States; that by the operations of the Coma- missioners a foundation was laid upon which discord would arise between the United States and France in the ensuing campaign; that in its operation it would be sudden and critical. and that there was a power- ful party against the independence of the United States; that the British Court, as they had always done, propagated and spread these suggestions throughout Europe, and were the more at large in the calumny, that some impressions might remain in consequence of the heat of the calumny; that although his most Christian Majesty paid no attention to these suggestions, yet he most strongly recommended concord without meaning in any manner to look into or interfere in the internal measures of the United States.
That such being the disposition of the Cabinet the beginning of October, the Court of Spain had thereupon taken her final resolution, as expressed by her remonstrance to the Court of London the end of that month, respecting her hostile operations against France, making the independence of the United States the preliminary article to a general pacification; that it was possible this would lead to a general peace, and that the negociations would necessarily be rapid, as peace or war must finally be determined upon before the season for opening the campaign came on. That as the Court of France had no object in view but the independence of the United States, if this was to be obtained there was a great probability of peace; but if it could not be obtained,
5
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DOCUMENTARY HISTORY OF
his most Christian Majesty would exert all his powers in the next cam- paign in prosecution of the war. That the Congress ought to lose no time in appointing a proper person to take a part in the expected nego- ciations; that he should be furnished with ample powers, as well as the desires of Americans as her ultimatum, relaxing in the first as in his discretion he should see fit, the distance being too great, and the crisis too pressing, to admit of applications to Congress for instructions ; that the United States should consider their resources and their abilities on the one hand, and the probable advantages and disadvantages arising on the other, by continuing the war; that moderate terms might, per- haps, be now obtained; that the pride of Great Britain was too high, and her abilities too great, to submit to extraordinary demands at present. She might be able to continue the war for some years yet. France desired no aggrandizement by conquest, the Independence of America being alone such a debilitating of Great Britain, as to secure her effectually against the haughtiness of that nation.
That the Court of Great Britain had endeavored to form alliances upon the Continent; that twenty months ago she had applied to the Empress of Russia for a body of her troops for the American service; that she replied she had not been raised to empire by Providence for such a purpose; that she would not send her troops against a people who asked only for justice and liberty; she would not engage in such a bloody work. In short, she auswered with such disdain, that the British ambassador retired from Court till he received instructions on that head from London; that these instructions were in such mild terms, that he returned as if nothing had happened; that afterwards he applied to the Empress that her Majesty should act in strict conjunc- tion with the British, and that a large district in America would be assigned to the Empress; but she answered this in such a manner, as discouraged a renewal of the application. That Britain had also pro- posed to the King of Prussia to loan an army of observation, with the view of collecting to it such forces as were against the interests of the Emperor; that the King, the Emperor, and the Queen of Hungary, had applied to his Master to mediate in the disputes relative to Bara- ria; that he being in alliance with Vienna, had not chosen to be alone the arbiter, but had called upon Russia to be a co-umpire, to which the King of Prussia and the Emperor had consented; that the Empress of Russia had desired of the King of France to mediate between her and the Porte; that chus it appeared none of the Great Powers of Europe would take part against France, and that Great Britain was destitute of alliances against his Master; that Spain wished to have the terri-
--
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THE AMERICAN REVOLUTION.
orial claims of the United States terminated. She wished to have the navigation of the Mississippi shut, and possession of the Floridas; that the disliked the neighborhood of the British in that quarter, who were too restless and enterprising, and preferred that of the United States; that if the war continued, a subsidy might be obtained of Spain in aid of the pecuniary wants of the United States; that this aid was most Logorable to protect States to obtain under the mark of a subsidy; that it might at a loose rate call for 6,000 men, when not more than 3,000 would be expected to be embodied for the reduction of the Floridas, to be relinquished to spain when conquered; that Spain might obtain that territory independent of the States; that if a peace now took place, Spain would have no claim upon the United States, nor would they have any upon the Floridas; that if this subsidy took place, the money might be lodged in respectable private hands in Paris, and if prudently managed would give the States a credit in Europe equal to their wishes; that at all events the United States should exert themselves to prepare for another campaign, and put on the appearance of aiming at more than they meant to strike at; for such an appearance would accelerate the negociations, especially if the United States could strike a blow, which, though not important, might be brilliant; that peace was the time for the United States to recover their finances; that France had just begun to recover hers when hostilities begun between her and Britain; that had those hostilities been postponed two years, she would be more com- petent to the war; that, however, France had made every necessary arrangement for the next campaign. But that, as her exertions, and the maintenance of 60,000 men on the frontiers of Germany, to enforce ber umpirage, would occupy all her resources, she was not able to afford those aids to America, which she was disposed to do, considering as she did the interests of America as her own.
-
AN ORDINANCE TO PREVENT PERSONS FROM WITHDRAWING FROM THE DEFENCE OF THIS STATE TO JOIN THE ENEMIES THEREOF, PASSED SOTH FEBRUARY, 1779.
[Original MIS.]
STATE OF SOUTH CAROLINA.
At a General Assembly begun and holden at Charles Town, on Mon- day, the fourth day of January, in the year of our Lord one thousand seven hundred and seventy-nine, and from thence continued by divers
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